Isaiah 3:11

KJV

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {H188} unto the wicked {H7563}! it shall be ill {H7451} with him: for the reward {H1576} of his hands {H3027} shall be given {H6213} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

but woe to the wicked, it will go badly with him; for what he has done will be done to him.

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.

American Standard Version

Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him; for what his hands have done shall be done unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:11 delivers a solemn and unequivocal pronouncement of divine judgment against the wicked, serving as a stark counterpoint to the preceding verse's promise of blessing for the righteous. It declares that those who persist in ungodliness will inevitably face dire consequences, receiving the just recompense for their actions, thereby illustrating God's unwavering commitment to moral order, divine justice, and the principle of personal accountability for one's deeds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Isaiah's early prophetic declarations, specifically within a section (Isaiah 2:6-4:1) that details God's impending judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem for their pervasive pride, rampant idolatry, and egregious social injustice. Following the promise of well-being and blessing for the righteous in [Isaiah 3:10](/isaiah/3-10 "Isaiah 3:10 - The Blessing of the Righteous"), verse 11 acts as a direct and powerful antithesis, emphasizing the certainty of retribution for the wicked. This sharp juxtaposition highlights the clear distinction God makes between righteous living and sinful rebellion, underscoring the principle of divine recompense as a foundational aspect of His character and governance. The "woe" oracle employed here is a common prophetic literary device, signaling a lamentable state or an impending, severe judgment, often preceding a detailed indictment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a turbulent period of significant social and political upheaval in Judah, spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (circa 740-681 BC). Despite periods of outward prosperity, the nation was plagued by deep moral decay, widespread corruption among its leaders, and a severe disregard for God's covenant laws. The wealthy oppressed the poor, justice was perverted in the courts, and spiritual idolatry was rampant, leading to a breakdown of societal order. [Isaiah 3](/isaiah/3 "Isaiah 3 - Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem") specifically lambasts the corrupt leadership, the haughty women of Jerusalem, and the general moral decline. The concept of "the reward of his hands" would have resonated deeply within an ancient Near Eastern culture that understood personal accountability before both God and the community, where actions had direct, observable consequences, both positive and negative, reflecting a divinely ordered universe.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 3:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that God is a righteous judge who will not allow wickedness to go unpunished; there is an inescapable recompense for evil deeds, as seen in the broader context of God's judgments throughout [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Salvation"). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating the biblical principle that negative actions inevitably yield negative outcomes. The "reward of his hands" directly speaks to the inescapable and just consequences of one's choices and behaviors, a truth echoed in passages like [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom"). Thirdly, it emphasizes **Moral Accountability**, stressing that individuals are held personally responsible for their conduct before God, affirming that punishment is not arbitrary but a direct result of their own "hands"—their deeds and decisions. Finally, by contrasting with [Isaiah 3:10](/isaiah/3-10 "Isaiah 3:10 - The Blessing of the Righteous"), this verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Separation and Destiny**, illustrating the fundamental divergence in the ultimate destiny between those who walk in God's ways and those who rebel against Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _ʼôwy'_):** This term, derived from a root suggesting a cry of lamentation, functions as a powerful interjection denoting impending doom, sorrow, or a solemn pronouncement of judgment. It is not merely an expression of pity but a prophetic declaration of the dire consequences awaiting those targeted by the divine pronouncement. In this context, it signals a lamentable state for the wicked, a direct consequence of their actions.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** This adjective describes someone who is morally wrong, actively bad, or guilty. It refers to those who are ungodly, who pervert justice, oppress the vulnerable, and live in defiance of God's righteous standards. The term encompasses both the internal disposition and the external actions that flow from it, characterizing individuals whose lives are marked by moral corruption and rebellion against divine law.
* **reward (Hebrew, _gᵉmûwl'_):** From a root meaning "to complete" or "to deal out," this word signifies treatment, an act (whether good or ill), or, more specifically, requital or recompense. It refers to the outcome or consequence directly tied to one's actions, emphasizing the principle of receiving what one has earned or deserved. Here, it denotes the negative consequences that will be meted out to the wicked as a just payment for their deeds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe unto the wicked!":** This opening exclamation serves as a prophetic lament and a solemn declaration of impending judgment. It immediately sets a tone of despair and warning, indicating a lamentable and perilous state for those who are morally corrupt and rebellious against God. It is a divine pronouncement of certain doom, a cry of sorrow over their inevitable fate.
* **"[it shall be] ill [with him]:":** This clause clarifies the nature of the "woe," specifying that the outcome for the wicked will be one of suffering, adversity, and misfortune. The Hebrew word implies something bad, evil, or grievous, indicating that their future will be marked by distress and calamity, a direct result of their ungodly choices and actions.
* **"for the reward of his hands shall be given him.":** This final clause provides the theological justification for the preceding declaration. It asserts the principle of divine justice, where individuals receive the just recompense for their actions. "The reward of his hands" is a powerful idiom signifying the fruit or consequence of one's deeds, emphasizing that the suffering of the wicked is not arbitrary punishment but a direct, inevitable outcome of their own choices and behaviors. Their own actions are the very cause of their downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:11 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The primary device is the **Woe Oracle**, a common prophetic form (e.g., [Isaiah 5:8-23](/isaiah/5 "Isaiah 5 - Woes Against Israel")) used to pronounce judgment and lament over a deplorable situation or group of people. This oracle immediately signals divine displeasure and impending doom. **Antithetical Parallelism** is prominently featured, as this verse stands in direct contrast to [Isaiah 3:10](/isaiah/3-10 "Isaiah 3:10 - Blessing for the Righteous"), where the righteous are promised good. This sharp contrast highlights God's clear distinction between moral paths and their respective destinies. The phrase "reward of his hands" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where "hands" represent the actions, deeds, and labor performed by an individual. It encapsulates the entirety of one's conduct, emphasizing personal accountability. Furthermore, the verse uses **Retribution Theology**, a thematic device that posits a direct correlation between human actions and divine consequences, reinforcing the concept of sowing and reaping.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:11 powerfully articulates a fundamental principle of biblical theology: God's unwavering commitment to justice and the certainty of moral accountability. It reveals a God who is not indifferent to human conduct but actively ensures that righteousness is rewarded and wickedness is punished. This verse underscores the divine order of the universe, where actions have inherent consequences, reflecting God's perfect character as both merciful and just. It serves as a stark reminder that while God is gracious and slow to anger, His justice is an immutable attribute, guaranteeing that no sin will ultimately go unaddressed. This truth provides both a solemn warning to the unrepentant and a profound comfort to those who suffer injustice, knowing that ultimate vindication rests with the righteous Judge of all the earth, who will one day set all things right.

* [Job 4:8](/job/4-8 "Job 4:8 - Those who sow trouble reap it")
* [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of rejecting wisdom")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God renders to each according to his deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 3:11 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that our actions carry eternal weight and that God is a God of perfect justice who holds every individual accountable. This verse challenges us to profoundly examine the "work of our hands"—our daily choices, attitudes, and behaviors—and to consider their ultimate spiritual trajectory. It calls us away from complacency in sin and towards sincere repentance, recognizing that the path of wickedness inevitably leads to sorrow and divine judgment. For those who strive to walk in righteousness, this verse, by contrast, implicitly offers reassurance, affirming that God's justice also ensures their ultimate well-being and vindication. It compels us to live with intentionality, aligning our lives with God's righteous standards, not out of fear alone, but out of a deep reverence for His holy character and a desire to avoid the "ill" that awaits those who persist in rebellion. It is a call to self-examination and a renewed commitment to living justly and righteously before God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "works of my hands" might be leading me down a path of "ill" or separation from God's will?**
* **How does understanding God's justice, as presented in this verse, shape my view of His character and my own responsibility?**
* **In what ways can I actively pursue righteousness and avoid the path of the wicked in my daily life, speech, and decisions?**
* **How does the contrast between Isaiah 3:10 and 3:11 challenge my assumptions about consequences and divine favor, prompting deeper spiritual reflection?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God is harsh or unloving?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God is harsh or unloving. Instead, it underscores His perfect justice and holiness. A truly loving God must also be just; otherwise, His love would condone evil, and His character would be compromised. The "woe" is a warning, an expression of lament over the inevitable consequences of human rebellion, not an arbitrary act of cruelty. It reflects the truth that God is morally consistent and that sin, by its very nature, carries destructive consequences. This principle of divine recompense is consistent throughout Scripture, demonstrating that God's justice is a foundational aspect of His righteous governance, ensuring that evil does not ultimately triumph and that all wrongs will eventually be addressed (see [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalm/9-7 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God judges the world in righteousness")).

**How does this verse relate to the concept of grace?**

Answer: Isaiah 3:11 highlights the dire need for grace. It presents the default outcome for humanity's "wicked" hands: deserved judgment. Without divine intervention, all would face this "ill." Grace, supremely revealed in Jesus Christ, is God's unmerited favor that provides a way for humanity to escape this deserved judgment. Instead of receiving the "reward of his hands" (which for all humanity is sin and death, as [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The wages of sin is death") states), believers receive the gift of eternal life through Christ. This verse thus magnifies the profound mercy of God, who, despite humanity's wickedness, provided a path to reconciliation and forgiveness, demonstrating that His justice and grace are not contradictory but perfectly balanced in His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 3:11, with its stark declaration of "woe" and inevitable recompense for the wicked, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse pronounces judgment upon those whose "hands" are filled with wickedness, Christ perfectly fulfilled the demands of divine justice. He, who knew no sin, became sin for us, bearing the full "reward" or consequence of humanity's wicked deeds on the cross (as seen in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). The "ill" that was due to us was poured out upon Him, the innocent Lamb of God (as foreshadowed in [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ absorbed the divine wrath and judgment, thereby offering a path of escape from the "woe" for all who believe. Now, instead of receiving the reward of their own hands, those who trust in Christ receive the reward of His perfect righteousness, a righteousness credited to them by faith (as explained in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness through Faith")). Thus, the terrifying truth of Isaiah 3:11 magnifies the glorious grace of God, made possible through Christ, who justly satisfies the demands of the law while mercifully extending salvation to the undeserving, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where sins are remembered no more ([Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - The New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 8:13

But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong [his] days, [which are] as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Psalms 62:12

Also unto thee, O Lord, [belongeth] mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Psalms 28:4

Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

Psalms 120:3

What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

Psalms 120:4

Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

Isaiah 65:20

There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner [being] an hundred years old shall be accursed.